Meet Roosevelt BlackRose taylor | Master painter / Art teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roosevelt BlackRose taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roosevelt, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Inspiration comes from the Harlem heritage, the unique background, and the artistic styles birthed in Harlem that still thrive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am Roosevelt BlackRose Taylor, a true leader in The Harlem Diaspora. The culture of African descendants born in Harlem created new artistic sub-cultures in Harlem through music like Bebop, New Jack Swing, dance, language, dialect, and fashion, which is the grounding foundation of my work. Through my visual art, I honor the past, develop future Harlem artists, and promote Harlem’s worldwide artistic influence.
“Through my art, the old and new history of The Renaissance of Harlem shall be told.”

Roosevelt “BlackRose” Taylor is a Master Painter who is a versatile, highly skilled artist gifted in the instruction of various art forms and design mediums. He owns Soul Artistic Trends Art Company and is the founder/creator of The Harlem Art Club.
Born, raised, and currently residing in Harlem, New York, BlackRose has been developing, designing, and perfecting his craft since childhood. The diversity of his work is evident in the various ways he tailors his creations to meet his client’s needs and imbues his paintings with layers of emotionality. He combines bold, colorful brushstrokes with finessed airbrushed highlights, which bring life and texture to the often-historical depictions of African Americans. His art is visceral, capturing the movement, musicality, and mood of Harlem life. BlackRose’s customized commissioned masterpieces are visible throughout Harlem and prominently displayed as permanent features in famous and historical landmarks throughout New York City. His work has been exhibited at various galleries and venues and acquired by private collectors. He meticulously captures the essence and aura of the subjects he paints. BlackRose is widely recognized and regarded as a “New” Harlem Renaissance member. He is a visionary Master Painter whose passion and lived experiences significantly contribute to contemporary Harlem’s renewed cultural richness.
The 2023 February issue of Ebony magazine featured BlackRose as one of the three top artists to watch at the 15th Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show, coinciding with his 15th anniversary as an Artist and business owner.
His work was featured on Good Morning America, in a documentary titled “Dear New York” by the John A. Reichenbach Foundation, and in two major cable network shows, Run the Worlds (featured on STARZ) and Harlem (featured on Prime Video). His magazine features include Ebony magazine, The Amsterdam News, Niji magazine, South Carolina Voyager, Princeton magazine, Shanken News Daily, Brewbound News, and Harlem World magazine.
Roosevelt “BlackRose” Taylor founded The Harlem Art Club, which allows children in Harlem to learn about and design art at no fee. Through The Harlem Art Club, he teaches young people how to tap into their artistic ability to produce personalized art pieces. As a testament to his dedication to the rebirth of his hometown, BlackRose designed, created, and gifted a masterpiece portrait for the legendary clothing designer Dapper Dan to honor his collaboration with the Fashion House of Gucci. BlackRose’s ability to meld his vision, community roots, artistic collaborations, and sensual connection with his medium will continue to emerge as the New Harlem Renaissance unfolds.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had to show a dear friend around Harlem, I would take them to Bill’s Place, a historical jazz landmark where Billie Holiday was discovered. We would hit Minton’s Playhouse, the home of Bebop, for dinner and a show. We would include a tour of The Shabazz Mosque, named after Malcolm X. Amy Ruth’s and Sylvia’s for Harlem-based soul food. Then, off to Harlem’s last Black-owned bar, Just Lorraine’s, a cornerstone in the Harlem community and the last one of its kind, started by Lorraine and passed down to her family to keep the legacy alive.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shout-out to my cousin Marilyn Johnson for believing in the dream and helping me with the start-up, to Dapper Dan for giving me the artistic vision to be one-of-a-kind, and to all the businesses who believed my art was needed to enhance their presence in the community.

Website: https://onlineviewingroom.com/exhibition/EVFRG8VV9Q7Q/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/takingharlembackforever?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roosevelt-blackrose-taylor-5ba25434

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/soulartictrends/

Other: Ebony magazine https://www.ebony.com/three-artists-to-watch-at-the-harlem-fine-arts-show/ Amsterdam news https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2023/04/06/spring-blooms-with-artistic-opportunities-for-black-rose/ Harlem fine arts https://www.hfas.org/jetblue/ Amsterdam news https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2023/08/10/ascots-father-aims-to-reestablish-harlems-classic-style/

Image Credits
No credits